 About
My Artwork - Eric A. Johnson
For my relief prints, I use the reduction method, also known as the
subtractive method, it was invented by Pablo Picasso in the 1950's. This
method uses one block to print a multicolored image instead of using one
block for each color. The first color is printed from the largest area
of the block. after printing a color, the area of the print that is
intended to stay that color must be cut from the block. The uncut
surface of the block will be used to print the next color. As the image
develops the block is reduced with each cutting. This is repeated until
the desired image is created.
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Profile - Eric A. Johnson
Growing up on a farm near the small North Dakota town of Embden, Eric
attended Chaffee High School and graduated from a class of eight.
Shortly after graduation he moved to Fargo to attend North Dakota State
University. He placed first in his art class at NDSU in 1991, graduating
in 1997 with a BS in Visual Art.
After graduating from NDSU, he continued his education in Grand
Forks, ND pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree. Eric lived there for
about a year before moving back to Fargo in 1999. He commuted from Fargo
for the last two years of graduate school and used the printmaking
facility at NDSU through the PEARS (Print Making Education and Research
Studio Program). Eric graduated in May 2001 with a MFA in printmaking.
Also in 2001, Eric won a viewers choice award in Groton, SC. Eric was
the featured visual artist in the 2002-2003 FM Symphony brochures,
programs and CD. Recent exhibits include a solo exhibit at Northland
Community College, Thief River Falls, MN and Mesabi Range Community and
Technical College in Virginia, MN. Eric also participated in The Print
Biennial 3, at Concordia University in St. Paul, MN.
Eric is currently an intern at the PEARS studio and working on new
prints in Fargo, ND.
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Artist Statement - Eric A. Johnson
While growing up on a farm in rural North Dakota, some people had
expected me to join the farming community. As I grew older I realized
that farming didn't suit me for a career. I wanted the independence and
freedom of farming, but also needed an output for my creativity.
Most of the artwork I create has a personal meaning to me, but I try
to leave it up to the viewer to come up with a meaning of their own.
Life events common to everyone, such as birth, death, relationships, and
disease are represented. In past pieces I have used the city to
represent the anxiety, as well as other emotions associated with life
changes. My new work focuses on trees, which I have always been
fascinated with and hope to explore fully through print making.
The creative process has become a way for me to work through issues
and turn them into something visually interesting. When I am printing I
often spend hours at a time thinking about life, listening to music, and
pondering reality. The printing process has become an escape for me
which I thoroughly enjoy. Back to top |
